West Java Governor's Bounty for Catching Muggers Draws Criticism

Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid has criticised a bounty scheme for catching muggers launched by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, also known as KDM. He stated that maintaining security and legal order is the responsibility of the governor and the West Java Police Chief, and that involving the public in taking action against muggers is misguided. “That is the job of the Governor and the Police Chief. There is no need for a bounty. The police’s appeal that people ‘may act firmly as long as it does not result in death’ is a legally nonsensical message,” Usman said in a written statement received on Thursday evening. He stated that the bounty risks legitimising vigilante actions in the field. Usman suggested that the Governor and the West Java Police Chief should focus on their duties by increasing patrols, integrating CCTV systems, improving street lighting in mugging-prone areas, speeding up report responses, and thoroughly investigating networks that fence stolen goods. Usman noted that mugging is a street crime that often involves sharp weapons and claims lives, including those of police officers. He assessed that involving civilians who lack the capability or specialised training in security and public order is risky. “However, the enforcement of security and legal order remains the responsibility of authorised and trained officers to handle such situations,” he said. Furthermore, he stated that the directive contradicts the basic principles of community policing. Usman explained that the philosophy of community policing actually emphasises preventive collaboration to identify and solve security problems together, not to allow residents to execute or take direct action against perpetrators. In addition to Amnesty International Indonesia, criticism also came from the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Immigration, Yusril Ihza Mahendra. “Such bounties should not be held because they will provoke the public,” Yusril said. The current difficult economic conditions, Yusril continued, could cause people to flock to prepare themselves, especially with the lure of a bounty prize worth millions of rupiah. This raises concerns that innocent people could become victims after being accused of being muggers. “If I may offer advice, with all due respect to the Governor of West Java, it is best not to open such a bounty,” Yusril said. Dedi Mulyadi launched the bounty for residents who successfully catch muggers, pickpockets, snatch thieves, and other street criminals. He said the cash prize was deliberately prepared as a trigger for the public to be more active in maintaining environmental security, not to encourage vigilante justice. Dedi stated that prizes ranging from IDR 5 million to IDR 50 million would only be given to residents who meet strict requirements. He stressed that perpetrators must be handed over to the police alive and subsequently named as suspects by law enforcement. West Java Police Chief Inspector General Pipit Rismano welcomed the bounty positively. He assessed that it serves as a motivator for residents to jointly maintain public security and order.